CHRISTMAS

Christmas came extremely fast this year. It was extra special because my parents were able to be here and celebrate with us. On Christmas Eve we had our traditional Czech dinner. Which was fried catfish and potato salad. Unfortunately my sister and her family were not able to make it. With her having to work it just didn't fit into their time schedule. After dinner we went to church. My mom came with us. Pastor Kevin gave a great message. He is so easy to listen to. It was a wonderful candlelight service. After church we headed to Humble to participate in my sisters in laws family Christmas tradition. I had a horrible headache so I was miserable. The kids had a great time. They are a great loving family and I'm blessed that they include mine into theirs.

The next morning the kids woke up to Santa presents. Ricky got his karaoke machine that he wanted from Santa. Other stuff were tennis shoes, shirts, books, games, gravity car. Hana received zoomer, clothes, darn yarn, trendy glasses, legos. Vincent lawn mower, fort, Elmo, bath puppies, cars, ........ 

I definitely made Santa's nice list this year. I received black boots, Uggs and gift cards. 

It was a great Christmas. My favorite part was spending quality family time together. Especially since my parents were here. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!

My chocolate ornaments from Czech. So good!

Hana's ornament 

New family ornament

HALLOWEEN FUN

This Halloween the we went trick or treating with our neighbors, Stacy, Charles, Caelin, Cade and Mikayla. Not planned. It just happened that we stepped outside at the same time. I'm so glad that we did. We had such a fun time trick or treating with them. There was no shortage of candy in our neighborhood. I was very surprised at how some houses went all out. Hana decided she was going to be a mermaid. She has been watching a mermaid TV series. Lil Ricky wanted to be a merman, but thankfully he changed his mind and was a vampire instead. Vincent was a puppy. Which was very fitting for him, since he is obsessed with puppies. He did not do much other than sit in the wagon and eat candy. 

It's also a very special day because it's big Ricky's birthday.

The haunted house

ELEVEN YEARS AGO

Eleven years ago I married my best friend.  I could not imagine my life journey with out him by my side. I would say "I Do" all over again with out hesitation. I'm not sure how it's possible, but I love him more everyday. He makes me laugh, but he also makes me cry with frustration. It just balances out.
Here's to many more!!!

Ricky scheduled a sitter and took me for an incredible dinner to Americas in the Woodlands. It was perfect.

LABOR DAY FUN!!

During the long labor day weekend we decided to be spontaneous and spend Saturday in Austin. It's such a short drive to get to Austin, so why not? Our 1st stop was Serranos for some mexican food. It was great because we were able to sit outside. This way I didn't have to constrain Vincent. After a lil over 2 hour drive he needed to run around a bit. After we ate we drove the few blocks to the Texas State Capital. I have not been in years. Our friends the Albrecht met us. It was great spending time with them. Sadly after the capital we didn't see them again. We took the short tour. I'm not sure how much interest the kids had in it, but I learned a lot of new and interesting things. I never did like history much, I am just now finding it fascinating.
After the capital we made the drive to Zilker park. We had no idea all of Austin had the same idea. Thankfully we were able to get a great parking spot (we were worried we would not even be able find a spot). The kids and big Ricky suited up and cooled off in the extremely refreshing springs. Vincent stayed at the extreme shallow edge and threw rocks. As long as he was throwing rocks he was happy. After Zilker we headed to Congress bridge to see the bats come out at sun down. It's amazing how many bats are under that bridge. They just kept coming and coming.
It was a great day!
We were going to stay at family's in Bastrop, but it was still early so we decided to make the drive home. The kids were dirty and tired. I think everyone just wanted their own bed.
I know we are looking forward to our next spontaneous adventure.

Pics are out of order:

Noah and Ricky

The great debate on the best way to get in the freezing water. 

Vincent just being a grump. 

Still trying to get in. 

Vincent testing the water

Hannah and Hana. 

These are the original desks from the 1800s. So much history!!

As long as he was throwing he was perfectly fine. 

He 1st had to check the rock out before he threw it. 

Getting a close look at the water 

goofing around

Vincent having a lil snack

Waiting for the bats